Suspension of Biometrics Requirement for Certain I-539 Applicants

USCIS will suspend the biometrics requirements for certain I-539 applicants for a two-year period beginning on May 17, 2021. The biometrics suspension will apply to H-4, L-2, E-1, E-2, and E-3 applications, provided they are:

1. pending on May 17, 2021, and have not yet received a biometric services appointment notice, or
2. new applications received by USCIS from May 17, 2021, through May 17, 2023.

USCIS is not expected to refund any biometric service payments already made despite no longer requiring it for pending cases.  It will issue further guidance soon regarding this issue.